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Under The Redbud Tree
I cradled you upon my knee
Beneath the shady Redbud tree,
And tried to brush away the “why’s”
That led us to our last goodbyes.
Within this moment it was clear
It mattered not, what brought us here,
For you deserved the whole of me
In honor of your loyalty.
I looked into your trusting eyes
And knew that I could not disguise
The pain I felt with every thought
Of losing you – could I, or not?
My selfish side said, “hold you here”,
A way to ease my pain and fear,
But that would not do justice to
The selflessness I knew of “you”.
I tried to stem my tears and smile
In hopes we had a little while,
But in my heart of hearts I knew
Our time had come, our time was through.
You searched my face for strength of will
To help you climb this final hill,
And though my mind screamed, “I cannot!”
… I found that strength I knew you sought.
I whispered … “It’s OK to go” …
And heard you sigh from deep below,
Then peacefully, I watched you fade
Beneath the Redbud’s welcome shade.